St. Anthony Anticoagulation Clinic
At Saints Heart and Vascular Institute, we provide an Anticoagulation Clinic to help people manage and monitor the effects of anticoagulant medications. Because no two people are exactly alike, close monitoring is required to ensure that the medication dosage is appropriate. Our trained pharmacists assist patients in achieving their goals and give them the resources to manage their therapy and avoid complications.
What is anticoagulation?
Anticoagulation is a term that describes the process of reducing clots from forming in the blood. A medication called warfarin (Coumadin®) is often used as part of a treatment regimen for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, heart valve replacement, previous deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism or other conditions predisposing people to clot formation. Warfarin thins your blood and reduces the risk of clot formation.
How is my therapy monitored?
Warfarin (Coumadin®) is used to thin your blood. There is a laboratory method used to determine how thin your blood is. This test is very important because not everyone responds the same way to warfarin (Coumadin®), and other things such as diet and medications may affect how your warfarin (Coumadin®) works. The laboratory test used is called a Prothrombin Time (PT), or more commonly the International Normalized Ratio (INR). When you first begin taking anticoagulants, your blood may need to be tested several times a week. Once the proper dose is determined, you may eventually only need monthly testing.
Not fond of getting your blood drawn? Fortunately, our clinic uses an accurate finger-stick meter to check your blood. It’s similar to a diabetic meter, but is designed to check your PT and INR. The other advantage our meter offers is it takes less than a minute to get your results!
What happens during the first visit to the clinic?
Your Saints physician will first have to refer you to the Anticoagulation Clinic using our referral form, and then our clinic will contact you to set up an appointment. You should arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and check in with First Floor Admitting. Once checked in, the admitting personnel will direct you to our clinic.
The first visit includes a comprehensive medical history and a review of the medications you are currently taking. Please remember to bring all your medications or a list with you. Blood samples will be taken, and the pharmacist will counsel you about warfarin (Coumadin®), diet, possible side effects, and more. We offer a helpful educational booklet to all our patients. This visit typically lasts 30 minutes.
Why is diet important?
Warfarin (Coumadin®) is affected by vitamin K foods, such as green leafy vegetables. It will be important to keep the amount of vitamin K foods you eat fairly consistent throughout each week. Our pharmacists are trained to help you recognize these foods and offer educational handouts that you may take home with you. Other foods and beverages, such as alcohol, green tea, cranberries, and grapefruit interact with warfarin (Coumadin®) as well.
What can I expect from subsequent clinic visits?
Each visit the pharmacist will assess your therapy and draw a finger-stick blood level. Your diet, medication changes, symptoms, and other aspects of your care will also be assessed. Working with the referring physician, adjustments can be made for an optimal outcome. These visits typically last 10 to 15 minutes.
Directions and Contact Information for Clinics
St. Anthony Hospital
1000 N. Lee Street
Oklahoma City, OK
Clinic Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 3:30 pm
Wednesdays: Clinic is closed
Phone: (405) 272-6223
FAX: (405) 272-4220
Parking
Complimentary valet parking at the Lee Ave. and Walker/Plaza Entrance.
Parking is also available in the Lee Street and 9th Street parking garages as well as the surface parking area on Walker.